A sociology of knowledge approach informs this essay. I shall begin with the social context of the University of Chicago, the leading department of sociology in the world at the time Bernie attended, and the department from which symbolic interactionism developed. After Bernie’s departure from Chicago, I inform the reader on his conversion to the theory and method of SI. I shall next analyze Bernie’s major works on SI, concentrating on ones that, in my judgment, are the most significant. I also shall look at Bernie’s role in building Central Michigan University’s Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work into a nationally recognized department of interactionism. I shall conclude with some personal observations on Bernie’s everyday life. An appendix shall include Bernie’s publications in SI.